Abstract: A novel miniaturized and highly automated method for the controlled printing of large arrays of nano- to femtoliter droplets is presented by actively transporting mother droplets over hydrophilic-in-hydrophobic micropatches. The proposed technology consists of single plate or double-plate devices where mother droplets can be actuated and hydrophilic-in-hydrophobic micropatches on one or both plates of the device where nano- to femtoliter droplets are printed. Due to the selective wettability of the more wettable hydrophilic micropatches in a hydrophobic matrix, large nano- to femtoliter droplet arrays are created when mother droplets are transported over these arrays. The parent droplets can be moved by different droplet actuation principles, for example, by using the principle of electrowetting-on-dielectric droplet actuation. We propose another method that uses two plates that are placed on top of each other while being separated by a spacer.

Abstract: A vessel system for high-pressure reactions is disclosed. The system includes a plugged polymer cylinder reaction vessel with a pressure vent opening extending radially through the wall of the reaction vessel and a supporting frame into which the vessel is received. Complementing keying structure elements on the vessel and on the frame limit the orientation of the reaction vessel in the supporting frame and the radially extending vent opening to a defined single position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods utilizing induction-heat energy for heating reactions associated with chemical synthesis, such as peptide synthesis reactions involving activation, deprotection, coupling, and cleavage. Thorough agitation of the contents of reaction vessels during heating, real-time monitoring and adjustment of temperature and/or reaction duration, independent control of different reaction vessels, and scalability are also described.

Abstract: The power supply unit for an ozone generating system generally has a pulsed current generator generating current pulses to be supplied to an ozone generator; and a computer adapted for obtaining an ozone yield based on a first amount of ozone to be generated by the current pulses during a first period of time and on a first amount of electricity consumed by the power supply unit during the first period of time; modifying an amplitude of the current pulses based on the ozone yield; obtaining an ozone production rate based on a second amount of ozone generated during a second given period of time; adjusting a frequency of the current pulses based on the ozone production rate; and wherein said steps are executed iteratively to enhance the ozone yield while meeting the ozone production rate.

Abstract: A MOF production system and method of making are detailed for continuous and controlled synthesis of MOFs and MOF composites. The system can provide optimized yields of MOFs and MOF composites greater than or equal to 95%.

Abstract: Various embodiments that pertain to oxygen enrichment are described. Oxygen enrichment is shown to allow for independent control of both reformer residence time and the oxygen-to-carbon ratio during reforming. This allows for much better control over the reformer and for significant gains in reformer through-put without negative impacts to reformer performance. Additionally, the use of oxygen enriched reforming is shown to result in enhanced reformer performance, reduced degradation from catalyst poisons (carbon formation and sulfur) and enhanced fuel cell stack performance due to greatly increased hydrogen concentration in the reformate.

Abstract: A device for the through-flow of a fluid may include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A porous structure with interconnected pores is arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet define an overall flow direction. The porous structure is coupled to a wall to provide for heat conduction between the porous structure and the wall. The porous structure has a porosity gradient along a first direction, which is cross to the overall flow direction. The porosity gradient develops along the first direction between a first porosity at a first location proximal to the wall and a second porosity larger than the first porosity at a second location remote from the wall. The difference between the second porosity and the first porosity may be at least 4%.

Abstract: Adsorbent clarification agents suitable for use in bioprocessing procedures are disclosed. Methods of making and using the adsorbent clarification agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aggregators that can be cellulosic particles having high oil sorption capacity, high hydrophobicity, high buoyancy in water, and an aggregation quality that can support environmental remediation of hydrocarbon spills (e.g., crude oil spills) by various cleanup strategies including burning, skimming, or bioremediation. Also disclosed are methods of making the materials and methods of using the materials for environmental remediation.

Abstract: Provided is a water-absorbing agent which maintains a certain degree of liquid permeability and water absorption speed while also reducing re-wet in a disposable diaper, without the use of costly raw materials or costly apparatuses. The water-absorbing agent of the present invention contains a polyacrylic acid salt-based water-absorbing resin as a main component and has physical properties falling within a specific range, the physical properties being saline flow conductivity (SFC), gap fluid retention property under pressure, and a proportion of particles having a particle diameter of not less than 150 ?m and less than 710 ?m.

Abstract: Provided are a technique for preparing a porous cellulose medium without using a special gelling agent for a solution in which cellulose acetate serving as a raw material is dissolved; and a porous cellulose medium and the like produced using the technique. A method for producing a porous cellulose medium comprises the step of preparing a flowable homogeneous composition comprising cellulose acetate, a basic compound, and a solvent including water, and gelling the composition by deacetylation reaction of the cellulose acetate.

Abstract: A catalyst comprises an active phase constituted by palladium, and a porous support comprising at least one refractory oxide selected from the group constituted by silica, alumina and silica-alumina, in which: the palladium content in the catalyst is in the range 0.0025% to 1% by weight with respect to the total weight of catalyst; at least 80% by weight of the palladium is distributed in a crust at the periphery of the porous support, the thickness of said crust being in the range 25 to 450 ?m; the specific surface area of the porous support is in the range 70 to 160 m2/g; the metallic dispersion D of the palladium is less than 20%.

Abstract: Sinter-resistant catalyst systems include a catalytic substrate comprising a plurality of metal catalytic nanoparticles bound to a metal oxide catalyst support, and a coating of oxide nanoparticles disposed on the metal catalytic nanoparticles and optionally on the metal oxide support. The oxide nanoparticles comprise one or more lanthanum oxides and optionally one or more barium oxides, and additionally one or more oxides of aluminum, cerium, zirconium, titanium, silicon, magnesium, zinc, iron, strontium, and calcium. The metal catalytic nanoparticles can include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, rhenium, copper, silver, and/or gold. The metal oxide catalyst support can include one or more metal oxides selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2, SiO2, La2O3, MgO, and ZnO. The coating of oxide nanoparticles is about 0.1% to about 50% lanthanum and barium oxides. The oxide nanoparticles can further include one or more oxides of magnesium and/or cobalt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for decomposition of nitrous oxide and also to its method of preparation and use.

Abstract: The invention provides a Laves phase intermetallic compound having a composition represented by general formula ARu2 (A is Y, Sc, or at least one element selected from lanthanoid elements excluding Ce), the crystallite size thereof being 1 nm to 100 nm; a catalyst including the intermetallic compound as an active ingredient; and a method for producing ammonia using the same.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas purifying catalyst includes a lower layer containing ceria-based oxide particles and an upper layer containing metal oxide particles and a precious metal supported on the metal oxide particles, wherein the exhaust-gas purifying catalyst is characterized in that the Rh content of the lower layer is equal to or less than 0.25 g/L, and also that the particle-size distribution of the ceria-based oxide particles in the lower layer, which is obtained by scanning electron microscopy, has a first peak in which the peak top thereof is in a region of 0.90-6.50 ?m and a second peak in which the peak top thereof is in a region of 9.50-34.0 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that contains a first semiconductor SC1, particles that comprise one or more element(s) M in the metal state selected from among an element of groups IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, IIIA, IVA and VA of the periodic table, and a second semiconductor SC2 that comprises indium oxide, with said first semiconductor SC1 being in direct contact with said particles that comprise one or more element(s) M in the metal state, with said particles being in direct contact with said second semiconductor SC2 that comprises indium oxide in such a way that the second semiconductor SC2 covers at least 50% of the surfaces of the particles that comprise one or more element(s) M in the metal state. The invention also relates to its preparation method as well as its application of photocatalysis.

Abstract: Oxidative dehydrogenation catalysts comprising MoVNbTeO having improved consistency of composition and a 25% conversion of ethylene at less than 420° C. and a selectivity to ethylene above 95% are prepared by treating the catalyst precursor with H2O2 in an amount equivalent to 0.30-2.8 mL H2O2 of a 30% solution per gram of catalyst precursor prior to calcining.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxidation process to produce a crude carboxylic acid product carboxylic acid product. The process comprises oxidizing a feed stream comprising at least one oxidizable compound to generate a crude carboxylic acid slurry comprising furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and compositions thereof. Also disclosed is a process to produce a dry purified carboxylic acid product by utilizing various purification methods on the crude carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A catalyst for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether to methyl acetate. The catalyst comprises a zeolite, such as a mordenite zeolite, at least one Group IB metal, such as copper, and/or at least one Group VIII metal, such as iron, and at least one Group IIB metal, such as zinc. Such a catalyst with combined metals provides enhanced catalytic activity, improved stability, and improved selectivity to methyl acetate, and does not require a halogen promoter, as compared to a metal-free or copper only zeolite.

Abstract: Disclosed are zeolitic materials that include a microporous crystalline framework substituted with one or more paired Lewis acid sites. Each of the one or more paired Lewis acid sites within the zeolitic material can comprise a first Lewis acid metal center and a second Lewis acid metal center. The first Lewis acid metal center and the second Lewis acid metal center can be separated by three or fewer atoms within the crystalline framework. Also provided herein are methods of making these zeolitic materials as well as methods of using these zeolitic materials as catalysts.

Abstract: A photocatalyst according to the present invention has a structure in which the titanium dioxide doped with the transition metals is supported on the support such that a band gap thereof is low and a specific surface area thereof is high, thereby exhibiting an excellent photocatalytic activity even in a visible light region and providing an excellent effect of adsorbing an organic compound and removing the same even under a condition in which light is not emitted.

Abstract: A microfluidic reagent card for medical testing and assaying is disclosed. The microfluidic reagent card comprises a card body (10) and a plurality of micropipes, the plurality of micropipes is fixed onto the card body (10). The plurality of micropipes is arranged radially. Each of the micropipe is configured to have a sample inlet end (1) and a closed end (2), and a detection liquid layer (3) and a separation medium layer (4) are arranged inside each micropipe in sequence from the sample inlet end (1) to the closed end (2). The micropipe has a diameter of 0.1-1.0 mm. As the micropipe is configured to have a small diameter, the fluidity of liquid and gel decreases inside the micropipe, and the liquid interface will not flow even when the micropipe is placed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A channel assembly is disclosed, which may comprise a microfluidic channel. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed as are detectors and detector components which may comprise such a channel assembly. An example is a detection apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a substance of interest; and a pneumatic system comprising a microfluidic channel assembly comprising a first microfluidic channel for dispensing vapour to the detector, wherein the first microfluidic channel comprises a groove in a surface of a polymer body and a wall of the first channel is provided by a film bonded to the surface of the body over the groove.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is configured for enhanced temperature control by combining spatial and temporal temperature control. The microfluidic system includes an electro-wetting on dielectric (EWOD) device comprising an element array configured to receive one or more liquid droplets, the element array comprising a plurality of individual array elements; a control system configured to control actuation voltages applied to the element array to perform manipulation operations of the liquid droplets; and a plurality of thermal control elements located at different spatial locations along the EWOD device, at least one of the thermal control elements being variable in temperature with respect to time. The control system includes a thermal control unit configured to control temperatures of the thermal control elements to generate a plurality of thermal zones located at different spatial locations along the EWOD device, at least one of the thermal zones being variable in temperature with respect to time.

Abstract: Described herein are digital microfluidic (DMF) devices and corresponding methods for managing reagent solution evaporation during a reaction. Reactions on the DMF devices described here are performed in an air or gas matrix. The DMF devices include a means for performing reactions at different temperatures. To address the issue of evaporation of the reaction droplet especially when the reaction is performed at higher temperatures, a means for introducing a replenishing droplet has been incorporated into the DMF device. A replenishing droplet is introduced every time when it has been determined that the reaction droplet has fallen below a threshold volume. Detection and monitoring of the reaction droplet may be through visual, optical, fluorescence, colorimetric, and/or electrical means.

Abstract: A method of extracting assay fluid from an EWOD device, the EWOD device comprising two opposing substrates defining a fluid space there between and an aperture for extraction of fluid from the fluid space. The method comprises providing, in the fluid space of the EWOD device, a droplet of assay fluid adjacent to the aperture such that the droplet blocks extraction, via the aperture, of filler fluid contained in the fluid space of the EWOD device, and extracting, via the aperture, at least some of the assay fluid of the droplet from the fluid space. The method comprises, during the extracting, controlling the assay fluid droplet by electrowetting to maintain the blocking of extraction of filler fluid. By controlling the position of the unextracted portion of the assay fluid droplet relative to the aperture during the extraction process, the unextracted portion of the assay fluid droplet continues to block extraction of filler fluid.

Abstract: The present technology provides for a fluorescent detector that is configured to detect light emitted for a probe characteristic of a polynucleotide. The polynucleotide is undergoing amplification in a microfluidic channel with which the detector is in optical communication. The detector is configured to detect minute quantities of polynucleotide, such as would be contained in a microfluidic volume. The detector can also be multiplexed to permit multiple concurrent measurements on multiple polynucleotides concurrently.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding particulate material having a roller press having a pair of grinding rollers each having a rotation axis and being arranged oppositely and parallel to define a grinding roller gap in a common plane through the axes of the rollers, and a mechanical conveying device for conveying granular material to the roller press having a proximal end and a distal end relative to the roller press, the roller press being arranged at the proximal end of the conveying device. The conveying device is arranged to constrain a flow or mat of the granular material having in a cross sectional view a rectangular shape with a mid-plane and to transfer the flow or mat of granular material directly to the grinding roller gap of the roller press in a linear transfer plane being coincident with the mid-plane and perpendicular to the common plane through the axes of the rollers.

Abstract: A wear-resistant element for partially inserting into a recess in the surface of a wear surface of a comminuting device. The wear-resistant element has a fastening region, which is connectable to the recess in the surface of the wear surface and a wearing region, which protrudes at least partially from the surface of the wear surface. The fastening region includes a material that is less wear-resistant than the material of the wearing region, wherein the wearing region extends beyond the fastening region at the level of the wear-resistant element.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant wear plate is mountable within a rotor or a vertical shaft impact crusher to protect the rotor from material fed into the rotor. The wear plate includes a main body that mounts and supports at least one abrasion resistant insert to define, in part, a contact face over which feed material is configured to flow.

Abstract: A hammer mountable at a rotor of a horizontal shaft impact crusher (HSi-crusher), the hammer including a front face, a rear face and at least one recess projecting inwardly into a main body of the hammer from the front face. The at least one recess being arranged to receive an attachment element to mount the hammer at a hammer lifting device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to facilitate recycling of at least one fraction of bitumen-containing materials. This can be accomplished by dissolving the at least one fraction, for example, maltenes or asphaltenes in roofing shingles, into at least one solvent. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a dissolution vessel, a tumbler positioned therein, and at least one solvent distributor. The tumbler is configured to facilitate wetting the bitumen-containing materials with solvent. In a second aspect, a system comprises the apparatus, a solid-liquid separator, for example, a vibratory screen, and at least one solvent-fraction separator, for example, a flash drum. The at least one solvent can comprise one or more solvents useful to extract the at least one fraction. In a third aspect, a first fraction is extracted from the bitumen-containing materials with a first solvent composition, then a second fraction is extracted from the remaining bitumen-containing materials with a second solvent composition.

Abstract: A mechanical bin-full device for a paper shredder with a bin, having a curved, perforated T-blade sensor on a cylindrical body partially covered with a metal sheet. The T-blade is pendent into the bin. Metal contacts are placed on the paper shredder near the metal sheet, forming a switch, which is coupled to a motor control circuit for the shredder motor. The T-blade is pushed by paper shreddant and rotates the cylinder body as paper shreddant fills the bin. When the bin becomes full, the T-blade is positioned so that the metal contacts touch the metal sheet, closing the control circuit switch, and causing the motor to cease operating. The control circuit can include a microcontroller coupled to the motor, or a transistor-based driver coupled to a motor relay.

Abstract: A device for shredding material has a shredding rotor, which revolves about an axis of rotation and supports at least one blade, and a first counter-blade which cooperates with the blade of the shredding rotor. A feed plate is provided here, which is mounted to be rotatable about a pivot axis and which is connected to an actuator, in particular to an electric motor, so that, with the aid of the actuator, the feed plate can be brought into a feed position, in which the material to be shredded can lie on a first main surface of the feed plate and can slide along this in the direction of the shredding rotor, and into a first pressing position in which the material to be shredded is likewise pressed with the first main surface of the feed plate against the shredding rotor and shredded between the blade and the first counter-blade.

Abstract: A foodstuff grinding attachment for connection to a rotary drive outlet of a host device. The attachment includes a main body part having a generally tubular hollowed portion for attachment to the host device. A rotatable scroll-type extruding tool is capable of rotating within a cavity formed in the tubular portion of the main body part and couples with the rotary drive outlet when the main body part is attached to the host device. The main body part includes first and second separable components configured to be secured together for operation of the attachment. The components are separable from one another to provide access to the cavity for cleaning.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating an unwanted substance from an extraction target includes a forming unit configured to form a separation chamber through which the extraction target passes, and a suction unit communicating with the separation chamber in a direction crossing a passage direction of the extraction target and configured to suck air in the separation chamber. The forming unit includes an inlet for the extraction target, which communicates with the separation chamber, and an outlet for the extraction target, which communicates with the separation chamber, and the air is sucked from the outlet into the separation chamber by suction of the suction unit.

Abstract: A centrifuge separator device for use in mining gold ore receives bulk quantities of gold bearing materials through a port in a central vertical pipe, diverting the materials through a series of rotating baffles into a multi-tiered bowl, with a variable speed bowl drive system turning the bowl and the baffles at a selected speed while framework, including a channeled bin, gussets and a plurality of blades extending a plurality of upper and lower cutters, remains stationary, forcing the materials to separate by density, forcing the lighter materials up and over the rotating bowl into a channeled bin for further disposal through an exit port in the channeled bin, leaving the heavier gold bearing ores in the lower part of the bowl for collection and further classification.

Abstract: A compact dual stage cyclone separation assembly, an efficient dual stage cyclone separator, and a method for utilizing the same, comprising a lower pressure drop across the dual stage separators due to fewer particle-contaminated gas flow directional changes in the particle contaminated gas stream, and method for using same. The dual stage cyclone separator comprises a primary stage cyclone barrel and a second stage cyclone barrel, wherein the second stage cyclone barrel is coaxial with and concentric within the first cyclone separator, a solids extraction port, wherein said sidewall of said main body defines a solids extraction port opening located between said upper end and said lower end for discharging large particles from said cyclone body, and a small particle discharge opening, wherein the small particle discharge opening is located inside the lower end of the main body.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) for dispensing a flowable product from a pressurised container (200), the valve assembly comprises a resilient sleeve member (16) comprising a lower fixing portion (18), an intermediate deformable portion (20) and an upper sealing portion (22), a valve stem (28) extending within the resilient sleeve member (16) and fixed to the lower fixing portion (18) of the resilient sleeve member (16), and an actuator (46) mounted on the upper sealing portion (22) of the resilient sleeve member (16). The valve stem (28) includes a hollow cylindrical body (38), an end cap (32) closing an upper end of the hollow cylindrical body (38), and one or more apertures (34) arranged around the circumference of the hollow cylindrical body (38) adjacent to the end cap (32). The apertures (34) are covered by the upper sealing portion (22) of the resilient sleeve member (16) in a closed position of the valve assembly (10).

Abstract: A device for applying a viscous material has: an application tube, which delimits an application duct running in a longitudinal direction from a material inlet opening to a material outlet opening; and a housing, which accommodates at least part of the application tube and has a material supply connection for the viscous material. The application tube has a first tube section, which is fixed on the housing and has the material inlet opening, and a second tube section, which adjoins the first tube section and has the material outlet opening at a free end. A joint connects the first tube section and the second tube section, and a drive device deflects the free end of the second tube section in a transverse direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A system is provided for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system may include a container cover having a buffer chamber, a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, and a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and system for controlling dispensing of adhesive from an applicator. The method includes pumping adhesive from a plurality of pump assemblies to a plurality of dispensing modules and measuring current draw from each of the plurality of pump assemblies. The method also includes determining an adjustment to an operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies individually based on their respective current draws and adjusting the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies individually.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid discharging vessel including: an application tip; and a nozzle exposed upwardly from the application tip by means of an external force and having an outlet adapted to discharge content to top of the application tip, wherein the nozzle moves downwardly from the application tip to close the outlet.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid discharging vessel including: a pump for discharging content; an application tip descended to operate the pump; and a nozzle exposed upwardly from the application tip when the application tip is descended and having an outlet adapted to discharge the content to top of the application tip, the outlet being closed by the application tip ascended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid including: a tank arranged so as to contain the fluid; a dispensing pipe arranged so as to guide the fluid in a dispensing direction; a dispensing opening connecting the tank to the dispensing pipe; a dispensing valve which, in an open state, allows fluid to pass from the inside of the tank to the dispensing pipe via the dispensing opening and, in a closed state, does not allow fluid to pass from the inside of the tank to the dispensing pipe; and a return means arranged so as to exert a force on the dispensing valve. Said force moves the dispensing valve from the open state thereof to the closed state thereof. The return means includes a pouch forming a cavity. Said pouch is located in the dispensing pipe. The shape of the pouch is changed via compression when the dispensing valve is in the open state.

Abstract: An example system includes at least one acoustic sensor configured to generate at least one time-dependent acoustic data signal indicative of an acoustic signal generated by a thermal spray system performing a process associated with a plurality of process attributes. The example system includes a computing device including an acoustic data signal module and a control module. The acoustic data signal processing module may transform the at least one time-dependent acoustic data signal to a frequency-domain spectrum. The control module may determine a process attribute of the plurality of process attributes that deviates from a predetermined operating range by identifying at least one characteristic of the frequency-domain spectrum, selecting at least one component of the thermal spray system based on the process attribute, and controlling the thermal spray system to adjust the process attribute toward the predetermined operating range by sending a control signal to the at least one component.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating a component with a coating agent includes an applicator for delivering at least one coating agent jet of the coating agent to the component. The coating apparatus includes an intercepting device which in an active position intercepts the at least one coating agent jet between the applicator and the component so that the at least one coating agent jet does not strike the component.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a sound producing member adapted to press at any angle and a press-switching water discharging mechanism and a shower head. The sound producing member is a rotating shaft having a semicircular cross section, and the rotating shaft includes an abutment surface for abutting a press-switching water discharging valve and an arc-shaped surface adapted to press at any angle; pivot shafts for being rotatably installed at the bottom of a button are disposed at two ends of the rotating shaft, the arc-shaped surface is adapted with a contact surface at the bottom of the button; and a sound producing member adapted with a contact surface of the press-switching water discharging valve is concave in shape and is disposed in the abutment surface of the sound producing member.

Abstract: A hand-held shower head system configured to dispense a fluid is disclosed. The hand-held shower head system may include a housing configured to be secured to a surface. Further, the hand-held shower system may include a shower head configured to be detachably mounted on the housing. Further, the hand-held shower system may include a plurality of hoses connected to the shower head. Further, a plurality of first openings of the plurality of hoses may be configured to be connected to a plurality of fluid supply lines. Further, the hand-held shower system may include a retracting mechanism coupled to the shower head and the housing. Further, the retracting mechanism may be configured to allow the shower head to be retracted back to the housing once the user releases the shower head.